“Muddy Matches is a nice distraction from everyday life”

Key worker Kate ‘grateful’ for the normality and companionship she’s unearthed on Muddy Matches during lockdown.

“Muddy Matches is a nice distraction from everyday life.”

As a key worker working in a primary school, and as a single mum of nine years, Muddy Matches member Kate has certainly got her hands full at present – not least with her ‘imperfect pony’, a houseful of animals and caring for her young son whilst supporting the children of fellow key workers on the front line.

But horse lover Kate has taken solace in Muddy Matches for a bit of normality after re-joining Muddy Matches last month – and, even in these uncertain times, she is happy she did!

Like most households across the country, the COVID-19 induced social distancing and lockdown has brought many new challenges on a daily basis to Kate’s routine.

However, connecting with the many likeminded folk – with new and familiar faces – on the UK’s leading online dating website for country lovers has certainly broadened her immediate horizons during lockdown and given her a new social circle to talk to in an effort to relieve the lonliness and boredom.

“I thought I would try online dating again and joined Muddy Matches just at the right time, so it seems” Kate tells us, having reactivated her profile, and taken out a subscription, just days before new measures on going out were enforced on the nation.

“I have been matched with, and have been chatting online to, some lovely people” the self-tagged horse whisperer tells us. “There’s been a few strange messages (there are always a few out there) but we can’t all be soulmates, can we?”

Kate is keen to get to know as many new connections as possible whilst she winks and works through favourites list. One man in particular, though, has caught Kate’s eye though and he has the country credentials that make her feel right at home.

“He ticks a lot of the boxes I look for when it comes to country life, has a real interest in the welfare of animals and he shares my love of riding” she tells us. We can feel her eyes light up and a smile emerge, despite not interviewing her in person (for social distancing purposes!).

“He’s extremely shy but he is really lovely. He speaks Spanish too so it’s a chance for me to practise my language skills as well as talk about everything horse related.”

Kate was always going to find herself in good company on Muddy Matches; over 35% of the remote and rural singletons registered on the site have more than the average level of interest in everything equine; from eventing and point-to-point to grooming, yard work and stud farming, horses are hot to trot as one of our most discussed objects of desire between members.

And in these disconcerting times, having something you love and share your enthusiasm for is so important to keep your mind active with a positive outlook on life.

Kate is not blinkered by her interests nor location though as she explores the ‘entertainment’ and companionship that Muddy Matches brings. She has chosen to keep her options open by widening the age range of her search to meet new people.

Modifying the search, and updating your preferences is something we absolutely encourage, especially at this time. After all, a shared muddy interest is rarely constrained by age or concerned with county borders.

“It’s true” Kate confirms. “I have been chatting to a younger lad who lives near my family. He is really nice and I have made some other friends on here also so we are keeping each other entertained during this lockdown.”

Providing light relief and a sense of entertainment whilst stuck inside may not sound like the immediate purpose of online dating websites. But companionship, a sense of self-worth and a chance to extend your social circle, especially in these challenging times, can come in many different forms – and at Muddy Matches you can be sure to unearth people with whom you have lots in common.

It was recently said that the growth in online dating apps since social distancing became a way of life isn’t necessarily driven by matters of the heart but is more based upon providing new, exciting social connections.

The same can be said about Muddy Matches – and whilst our mission is to match people for future dates and to unearth love in the countryside, we know we play a vital role in keeping lots of our remote and rural members socially connected- not just during lockdown but throughout the year, with lonliness and isolation continuing areas of major concern in rural and farming communities due to the nature and solitude of work.

And what of the world when settles back down into a normal routine again? Then that’s the chance to revisit the favourites list, and message bank, you’ve built up whilst in isolation and start planning for future real life meets with those who the rapport is strongest.

In the meantime, make hay without blinkers and embrace a new style of virtual dating from a distance. It’s a mantra that Kate has been inspired by.

Muddy Matches gives me a nice distraction from everyday life. I know we are unable to meet and greet in person due to the current pandemic but it has got me thinking about creative virtual dates and I have really enjoyed them.” Kate adds.

“I have suggested a picnic in the garden and a video chat or set up a virtual coffee shop in the dining room. Last night I shared a glass of fizz in front of the fire to celebrate some positive news from work.

“I don’t know what the future holds or if I have met my own soulmate yet, but I am so grateful for the company during this difficult time.”

CHECK OUT KEY WORKER KATE’S PROFILE HERE.

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